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A Bias Against The North West, Calling For Equity And Urging For Review Of The Unbalanced DIALYSIS Fee Reduction Program By The Federal Government Of Nigeria

By Pharm. Baba Idaho

 I recently came across an exciting and commendable news report in the Daily Nigerian Newspaper about the federal government’s reduction of kidney dialysis fees from 50,000 Naira per session to 12,000 Naira. As a healthcare practitioner, I fully aware of the economic challenges and the significant health burden that dialysis imposes on patients. We must acknowledge and commend the president for this initiative. 

However, I was deeply surprised and shocked upon reviewing the allocation of these subsidies based on geopolitical zones. Among the 11 Federal Medical Centers (FMCs) selected for this program, not a single one from the NORTH WEST region was included. 

While the president’s initiative is indeed commendable, I am concerned about the manner in which the subsidies have been allocated, which appears to be biased. Of the 11 selected hospitals, 4 are from the South West, 2 from the South South, 3 from the North East, 1 from North Central, and 1 from the South East. Unfortunately, none are from the North West, despite it being the most populous region in Nigeria.

This distribution raises significant concerns. It is disheartening that the region that contributed the most votes to the president’s election has been completely left out. 

The allocation process seems to suggest that the lives of citizens in some regions are valued more than others. This is not just an oversight; it appears to be a deliberate act of exclusion.

As I reviewed the allocation, I feel disappointed in the federal representatives from the North West. 

How could such a vital healthcare program be implemented without their intervention to ensure that the North West was included? It’s disheartening to think that the very people who are entrusted with representing us are seemingly unaware or unresponsive to the needs of their constituents. Where are the voices of our representatives in this matter? Are they unaware of the program, or are they too focused on political calculations for the next election cycle ?.

Are they not aware that Kidney dialysis is not a choice, but a necessity for those suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) to survive? It’s a do dialysis or die once a patients reach that level of CKD and more devastating issue is that the financial burden of dialysis is heavy, with patients often required to pay between N40,000 to N60,000 per session weekly in government hospitals, not even mentioned private healthcare costs. For patients who need dialysis two to three times a week, this cost becomes financially unaffordable. The situation is dire, and yet the region has been completely excluded from this important subsidy.

There has been no justification presented for excluding the North West from the program. The decision is both unjustifiable and deeply concerning. It is poorly implemented and lacks the inclusivity necessary to ensure that all Nigerians, regardless of region, benefit equally from the federal government’s initiatives.

Therefore, I strongly urge Mr. president and relevant authorities to review the implementation of the dialysis subsidy program and extend the benefit to the North West. This will ensure that dialysis patients in the region are not left behind and can also benefit from this life-saving initiative.

I also call on all stakeholders and political representatives at every level to raise their voices and advocate for fairness and equity. It is time for our representatives to act on behalf of their people and ensure that the North West receives the attention and resources it rightfully deserves.